Hamilton Heights School Corporation is pleased to announce that Megan Mathew has been selected as its 2018 Teacher of the Year. The announcement was made at the recent Hamilton Heights School Corporation’s Staff Appreciation Breakfast.
Mathew
Mathew, who is a physical education teacher at Hamilton Heights Middle School, was among four outstanding professionals from the district nominated as the top pick for their building for this year’s recognition. Mathew will represent Hamilton Heights at the state Teacher of the Year competition in Indianapolis next month.
“I was surprised and humbled to be nominated,” said Megan Mathew, who is backed by 14 years in education and is entering her sixth year as the seventh grade Physical Education/Health teacher at the Middle School. “Simply to be among the impressive group of Heights educators selected for their building is a huge honor in and of itself.”
In addition to Mathew, this year’s building nominees included Stephanie McQuinn, Special Education (Hamilton Heights High School); Tricia Rudy, Guidance and Behavior Support (Hamilton Heights Elementary School); and Robin Hartley, Second Grade (Hamilton Heights Primary School).
Mathew knew she wanted to be a teacher from the time she was in high school. Her passion for teaching coupled with her love of physical activity and working with children has made her a perfect fit in her role.
“I want each and every student to live a healthy life, so I am committed to instill lifelong wellness goals in my students daily,” Mathew said, describing students and staff at Hamilton Heights Middle School as her second family.
In just a few short years at Heights, Mathew has emerged as a dynamic teacher-leader-coach who inspires a love for learning and fitness in her students and colleagues alike. Mathew, who comes from a long line of educators, engages and challenges her students to make positive lifestyle choices and be passionate about their overall wellbeing.
“Megan contributes to the positive culture of our school each and every day through a motiving, inspiring, and inclusive teaching style,” said Principal Bret Bailey. “She successfully uses hands-on activities and projects to enhance the learning process ensuring her seventh grade students are physically literate, have positive interactions with peers, good sportsmanship and a good understanding of the value of teamwork and cooperation. Her professionalism, compassion, leadership and ability to build strong relationships have helped transform our PE and Health program into a lively and dynamic one.”
Mathew, the 2016 Indiana Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (IAHPERD) Middle School PE Teacher of the Year Award recipient, has also demonstrated a unique talent to seek out, write and successfully receive grant money to the benefit of the middle school and the school corporation. Most recently, she helped the Hamilton Heights Educational Foundation secure a $25,000 grant through the Jimmie Johnson Foundation.
Mathew earned her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology at Indiana University and her Master’s in Special Education from Western Governors University. She lives in Noblesville with her husband, Ryan, and two children.